If you would like to comment on Switzerland County Natural Gas Company’s requested rate increase, here’s your opportunity.
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC), the state agency representing consumer interests in cases before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), is reviewing the utility’s request and is scheduled to file testimony on November 2nd, 2018.
Along with its legal and technical review, the OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through October 26th, 2018.
Switzerland County Natural Gas Co. is a privately owned utility providing service to about 680 customers in Switzerland and Jefferson Counties. Its pending request would raise its annual non-gas-cost operating revenues by approximately $83,700. The impact on a customer’s bill would vary based on usage; however, the utility’s request would increase the flat, monthly residential customer charge from $10.86 to $13.00.
The utility’s current base rates were approved in 2013. According to its testimony, Switzerland County Natural Gas is seeking the increase due to higher operating and maintenance costs.
The proposed increase in this case would only apply to the utility’s base distribution rate, which comprises 50 to 55 percent of a typical Switzerland County Natural Gas residential customer’s monthly heating bill. Base distribution rates cover “non-gas” costs such as operating and maintenance expenses, and capital infrastructure improvements. The rest of a typical monthly heating bill pays for the natural gas itself, which the utility recovers on a dollar-for-dollar basis subject to OUCC review and IURC approval every six months.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the OUCC’s website atwww.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, by email at uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov, or by mail at:

The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than October 26, 2018 so that it can: 1) Consider them in preparing its testimony and 2) File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record.
Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 45117.” Please do not include account numbers and other sensitive information. Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled for December 21st, 2018 at the PNC Center (101 W. Washington St.) in Indianapolis. While evidentiary hearings are open to the public, participation is typically limited to attorney and Commission questioning of technical witnesses. A final decision in the case is expected in 2019.
Updates on this case are being posted on the OUCC’s website at www.in.gov/oucc/2622.htm. The OUCC is also including case updates in its monthly electronic newsletter; consumers can subscribe by emailinguccinfo@oucc.IN.gov.